Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) [PML-N] has filed a review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s decision to allocate reserved seats to Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The petition, filed by PML-N, names 11 parties, including the Sunni Ittehad Council, Hamid Raza, and the Election Commission, as respondents. The petition also requests a stay on the Supreme Court’s decision dated July 12.
Grounds for Review
The petition argues that the Supreme Court’s decision is silent on several critical points. It raises questions about the eligibility of the Sunni Ittehad Council to receive reserved seats and the appropriateness of granting reserved seats to a party that has not submitted the required list itself. The petition also questions whether an independent candidate can join a party with no winning candidate present in the assembly.
Specifically, the petition highlights the following issues:
Eligibility of Sunni Ittehad Council: The decision does not clarify whether the Sunni Ittehad Council should receive reserved seats.
Submission of Lists: The decision does not address whether a party that has not submitted the list of candidates itself should be eligible for reserved seats.
Independent Candidates: The petition queries whether an independent candidate can join a party that lacks a winning candidate in the assembly.
Vacant Seats: The petition questions whether the seats should remain vacant or be distributed among parties that contested the elections.
The petition contends that the Supreme Court’s short judgment, while addressing many points, is silent on these crucial issues, necessitating further clarification.
Background
The Supreme Court had issued a brief decision on the application related to the specific seats of the Sunni Ittehad Council, overturning the decisions of the Election Commission and the Peshawar High Court. The court ordered that the reserved seats be allocated to Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PML-N’s Position
PML-N’s review petition reflects its concern over the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. By filing the petition, PML-N seeks to ensure that the allocation of reserved seats adheres to legal and procedural standards, addressing any ambiguities that may affect the fairness of the process.
Implications of the Review Petition
The review petition filed by PML-N could have significant implications for the political landscape, especially concerning the allocation of reserved seats in the National Assembly. If the court grants a stay or revises its decision, it could alter the composition of the assembly and impact the balance of power among political parties.
The review petition filed by PML-N against the Supreme Court’s decision to allocate reserved seats to PTI underscores the ongoing legal and political challenges in Pakistan’s electoral processes. By seeking clarification on several critical points, PML-N aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of reserved seats. The outcome of this petition will be closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders, as it could influence the broader dynamics of Pakistan’s political arena.
